Unique Weddings: Having a Luau Reception

If you are looking for a unique wedding theme, and you happen to love the beach, the tropics, or the Islands of Hawaii, having a luau may be the perfect wedding reception for you. Luau receptions are a lot of fun, and also have an air of mystery and romance. Hold yours on the beach at night, or in your backyard during the afternoon. No matter when or where you choose to hold your luau wedding reception, just a few simple tips can make it a charming success. Try a few of the ideas below!

Set the stage. Set up casual tents, either white or sand-colored, for your luau wedding reception, and use tiki torches and twinkle lights to light the exterior. Inside, use candles in hurricane lamps filled with sand and seashells, and be sure to skirt your tables with, what else, grass skirts? Tablecloths should be sand colored or a lovely turquoise blue, with coordinating napkins.

Flowers. Chinese hibiscus, which is commonly used to create leis, is actually not native to Hawaii, but go ahead and use these gorgeous flowers anyway! Birds of paradise are another lovely, exotic choice for your luau wedding reception. Bougainvillea, Orchids, and Flamingo Flowers are also gorgeous flowers to use for your luau centerpieces and bouquets at your wedding reception.

Decorations. Guests should be handed paper leis as they enter your wedding reception (head wreathes for the men), with the bride and groom being adorned with ones made from real flowers. Tie bamboo to the tent poles, and scatter seashells on the tablecloths around the flowers.

Gift table. A net hammock is the perfect spot for gifts at your luau wedding reception. Place a bamboo mat beneath it for larger or heavier gifts, too.

Menu. A large tropical fruit display will be the perfect luau touch, with fresh pineapples, mangos, bananas, and other fruits. A raw bar is also a nice touch at your wedding reception, with shrimp, crab, and other delights chilling on ice for your guests. Drinks should be tall and fruity (Mai Tais and Blue Hawaiians), with the requisite little umbrella, as well as a tropical fruit punch. For appetizers, try Crispy Shrimp (don't forget the pineapple salsa!) or Tandori Chicken Kabobs. For main dishes, serve Hawaiian Pork or Mango Stuffed Crab. And for dessert at your luau wedding reception? Coconut Cake and Kona Coffee, of course.

Favors. Picture frames decorated with seashells (which can also double as place card holders) are a lovely reminder of your special luau. You can purchase these or, if you are crafty, glue the shells to wooden frames and then shellac. Orchid-scented candles, with your wedding date etched on the glass, also make lovely luau wedding reception favors.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://www.entertaining.com
http://hawaiian-flowers.org/
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